Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Mississippi

The Monsignor Leo Adamiak Trust Grant provides financial assistance to Ukrainian Catholic parishes in the U.S. and Ukraine, aiming to support their educational and operational needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community service with a history of at least three years. The trust favors projects with measurable impacts and sustainable outcomes, while not supporting general operating costs or for-profit entities. Interested parishes should contact for application materials, as online applications are not accepted.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Gary L. Carrow Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from Central Valley School District who have participated in the instrumental music program. Applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher, and plan to enroll in a post-high school program at full-time status.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

John Granville Marshall Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must upload a portfolio of design work from the Mead Design Studio OR an essay of 500- words or less describing their journey pursuing a passion or curiosity.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lillian M. Bailey Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors of the Selkirk School District who have demonstrated good citizenship, appreciation of American heritage and the American way of life, have displayed upstanding moral character, strong academic progress and responsibility toward others.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lucille I. Hudon Scholarship

Financial need, academic merit, and extra-curricular and community involvement and work experience are taken into consideration.

All scholarship grant funds must be used for tuition, books, fees and school-related expenses for the upcoming school year only. Any other use is contrary to the intended purpose of the scholarship and would make your scholarship award taxable and could lead to a revocation of funds.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Paramedic Foundation/Sylvia Gannon Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Talbot County, and/or to members of a local Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, who are planning to pursue careers as Emergency Medical Technicians.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Catherine Pratt Memorial Scholarship

Awarded current college students, who are enrolled in Nursing.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Margaret Ferree Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship

Applicants must be residents of Spokane County who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time college student to pursue a degree in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The Covenant Foundation's Signature & Ignition Grants celebrate excellence in Jewish education by funding innovative projects that enhance educational practices. The Foundation supports diverse institutions across North America, inviting applications for creative programs that can adapt and disseminate effective practices. While Signature Grants may reach up to $150,000 over three years, Ignition Grants focus on untested ideas with funding up to $20,000 for one year. One application per cycle is permitted.

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is inviting applications for the 2025-26 Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant. This $10,000 grant aims to support mid-career optometrists in conducting pilot research that fosters new collaborations and innovative projects in pediatric optometry. Eligible candidates must be Fellows of the Academy and demonstrate a commitment to advancing pediatric research. The deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent is August 4, 2025.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Sarah H. Willis Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Bruce and Crystal Burgett Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Bruce and Crystal Burgett Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist Carrollton, Edison, or New Philadelphia High School graduates or graduating seniors majoring in an agricultural-related field of study. Students must demonstrate above-average academic achievement and a history of participation in extracurricular, civic, and/or community activities.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Biology

The Meritorious Award, presented by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, honors firefighters or fire departments that exceed normal duties to save lives. Nominations must come from Association members, approved by a fire chief or designee. Candidates are recognized for their vigilance and professionalism, while any safety standards violations disqualify nominations. This award reflects our commitment to recognizing extraordinary bravery within the fire service community.

The Lucky's Legacy Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, supports nonprofits focused on the welfare of pets in the region. With over 40 years of service, CFEM aims to connect charitable efforts with community needs. Eligible organizations include no-kill shelters and those offering spay/neuter programs for rescued animals. This grant encourages impactful initiatives that enhance the humane treatment of animals across five counties in East Mississippi, ensuring a brighter future for pets in need.

The Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant provides seed money to support innovative projects in early childhood education, benefiting children up to sixth grade. Founded by Frances R. Dewing in 1963, the foundation aims to stimulate intellectual growth in young children through unique educational methods. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that demonstrate a broad impact on the educational community. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities across the United States.

Changemaker Scholarship

The Napa Valley Community Foundation Changemaker Scholarship benefits one exceptional graduating senior who attends a high school in Napa County and demonstrates drive, vision, and potential to succeed. Applicants may be the first person in their family to attend college or come from a middle-income household that will find it difficult to afford college. Applicants must have a strong academic record coupled with demonstrated leadership qualities, extra-curricular activities, and heavy involvement in the community. Recipients must attend a top-tier, four-year college/university and will receive funding for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Award Amount:

up to $10,000 per year and renewable for up to four years. Scholarship award amount will be based upon overall financial aid already received and any remaining funding gaps.

Tom and Betty Herold Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Thomas M. and Elizabeth L. Herold.

The Herold Scholarship is to be awarded to high school graduate(s) from a Randolph County, Indiana high school. The scholarship is awarded annually to one of the high schools on a rotational basis in the following order (or in the school consolidated), and then repeated: Randolph Central School Corporation (Winchester Community High School), Randolph Eastern School Corporation (Union City Jr./Sr. High School), Randolph Southern School Corporation, Monroe Central Jr./Sr. High School, Union School Corporation. Students must be pursuing a two- or four- year secondary degree.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates or high school seniors who have permanent residency in Perry Township in Carroll County, Ohio or who had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education. Applicants must have been accepted at and are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, or technical school with at least a two-year course of study to pursue further education.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

Achieve Your Community’s Economic Vitality Goals

Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street courses center the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equip Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools needed to respond. 

Building Your Local Business Ecosystem helps Main Street leaders understand and strengthen the network of people, organizations, programs, and resources that support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Across three connected virtual classroom sessions, you will map your local business ecosystem, identify strengths and gaps, and develop practical ways to improve coordination and turn shared insights into action.

Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street is a recurring learning offering, available twice each year. Each session explores a distinct, timely topic shaping Main Street economies, allowing practitioners to gain tools, knowledge, and strategies to meet the immediate needs and long-term economic vitality goals of their community’s entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Get

• Three interactive virtual learning sessions
• Dynamic curriculum developed by subject matter experts
• Access to a peer network of Main Street economic development leaders
• Curated suite of templates, resources, and customizable tools that you can use right away
• A practical entrepreneurial ecosystem-mapping and action-planning process that you can apply in your own community
• Eligibility for credit toward the Main Street America Revitalization Professional credential and AICP certification 

Why It’s Worth the Investment 

Many community leaders are driving critical economic development initiatives on tight budgets — so how do you justify the expense of this course to your Board or leadership team? Here’s what you and your community will receive from this investment:

• Practical tools for understanding and mapping your local business ecosystem
• Strategies for identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities within the local support system
• Approaches for strengthening coordination among business-support partners
• Evergreen resources that support continued implementation after the course
• Professional credentials
• National peer networking

Price, Registration & What's Included

• Rates: $275 Member, $350 Non-member

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

American Legion, Post 77, Hubert M. Smith Scholarship

The applicant must be the son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter or stepchild of a current member in good standing for 12 months prior to the scholarship deadline, or of a deceased member in good standing at the time of his death, of Hubert M. Smith, Post 77, American Legion. The applicant must be age 23 or less at the time of the application and be a graduating senior or graduate of a public, parochial or private school who intends to enroll in a two-year or four-year degree granting program.

The Community Foundation of Grant County offers over 120 scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With more than $1 million awarded annually, the foundation supports students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Scholarships are competitive and aimed at covering qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on proposals, enhancing community impact through education and development.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

American Association of University Women West Chester – Chester County Affiliate

Mission Statement

The American Association of University Women West Chester – Chester County Affiliate Scholarship was created in 1998 by the AAUW West Chester-Chester County Branch to recognize member Alice Lawson’s commitment to the mission and values of AAUW, the nation’s leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. The purpose of this fund is to provide educational scholarships to women from Chester County with special needs and circumstances.

Alice was a lifelong member of AAUW. Wherever she and her husband lived, Alice always joined the local AAUW, knowing she would meet and enjoy the company of other college-educated women. Of the many activities she enjoyed in West Chester, her AAUW book group was probably her favorite.

The award amount may vary from year to year. For the 2026/27 school year, we are awarding two $7,500 scholarships.